Rug Love: Recap

CT and I have been in our house about 4 months now and we've went through our fair share of trying out and returning rugs. Because rugs make such a major impact on the room design - especially if you have wood floors - we sent back 3 rugs and finally have a few we love, another we like and a few that were mistakes but we can't return. 

When searching for our rugs - my 3 main websites were:

RugsUSA

Wayfair

Joss & Main

RugsUSA is always my go to website because they always seem to have a sale usually up to 70% off. I can never pass up saving money!! 

About 2 years ago we bought Kingston's 5x8 chevron black and white rug for roughly $50. We love it and it will be a staple in whatever room design he grows into. 

If RugsUSA doesn't have what I'm looking for, I then turn to Wayfair. Their prices are extremely reasonable and they have a great variety of home decor. I usually 'favorite' things to my favorites board and then continue to check prices for a week or so. Every few days they have different categories go on sale - so sometimes if you wait long enough your item will go on sale. 

My favorite Wayfair purchase is this nuLOOM shag rug, which is also my absolutely favorite rug! It's so soft and plush and perfect for our living room. If I could, I'd have one in every room. 

We also received a complimentary rug pad from the Rug Pad Corner and it helps tremendously with the softness of this rug. Not only does it keep our rug from slipping because of its felt and rubber texture, but it also gives it so much extra cushion. It's so soft that Kingston will purposely walk over to the rug, sit down and then free fall backwards. He'll only do this on our living room rug because it's the only one we currently have a pad under. 

Finally, if I can't find what I want from either RugsUSA or Wayfair - sometimes Joss & Main will have a curated board specifically for rugs and something will speak to me. These boards are hand picked from different contributors with their favorite things - all with items on sale. You have to be fast though because they sell out quick and the boards are only up for a few days. Once they are gone, they're gone - unless you can find the exact same item on another website (but it'll be full price). 

We originally purchased both of these rugs (not sure the names) from Joss & Main- the grey for our bedroom in a 8x10 and the multi colored blue for our dining room in a 5x7. We ended up sending the grey one back because it was a darker grey then what the photo shows, and the multi-colored rug currently resides in our dining room. This is the one I'm only in like with. 

I think I would love it more if our flooring was different, but for now it does the job. 

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I've also had good luck finding random rugs at the local Ross, TJMaxx and Nebraska Furniture Mart.

For example:

I originally bought this rug for the pattern on the front (because it matches the color scheme of the multi-colored dining room rug) but then I realized I could turn it over and like it even more. 


Another love purchase from NFM. 

It's hard to pass up a $9 rug in the perfect shade of emerald! 

I've also purchased white bath rugs for every bathroom in our house (because look how great the pictures make them look) ...

but don't be fooled - in reality they pick up every piece of dirt, makeup mark and piece of hair! These are ones I hate and can't take back. This was definitely a waste of $50 on bath mats. 

Where are your go to rug shops? 
A girl can never have too many rugs! 

Shop Small - My Faves!

If you follow along with me on any type of social media, you would know that I'm obsessed with dressing my little dude in all things trendy and grown. A year or so ago when we found out we were pregnant with a little boy - I vowed to not dress him in planes, trains, dogs or dinosaurs UNLESS it was uber modern. 

I love (some people might say obsessively)  dressing Kingston in handmade goodies from shops on Instagram and Etsy. The ladies behind these shops dedicate hours to their craft and it really shows. All the pieces I have received are of great quality and come at a really decent price. But if $15-$25 is a little more then you would pay for a piece of baby clothing ... just wait till the next holiday and you'll find that these shops do sales galore! I'm sure for St. Patties Day there will be lots of 15% off around the web. Follow along and be sure to snag something the next time they offer a deal! 

Below I've rounded up a bunch of goodies from some of my favorite brands/shops that are on Kingston's must have list. A few might even be under the sewing machine and on their way to me in a few weeks!  

Tops

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(This is going to be Kingston's Easter shirt!)

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(Part of Kingston's first birthday outfit -- and YES I'm that mom who thinks about these things 6 months out)

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(We have some multi-colored cassette tape harems coming that would work perfect with this!)

Bottoms 

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(These pants are purchased and will be arriving for Kingston to wear for Easter with his Jesus saves bro shirt!)

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(2 for $14 leggings - we have 9&11 on the way!) 


Shoes

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(All her booties are so amazing but they are always sold out. If you want some of these bad boys you have to be quick and snag them as soon as she restocks!) 

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Accessories 

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(Kingston has 8 of these slouchy's - I would love to add this one to the collection!) 

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Aren't all these lovelies just ... lovely? These days I'm obsessed with harems and leggings because they go over our cloth diapers so easy. I'm sure daycare loves them too because when I send him in jeans they literally have to throw him over their shoulders and have to 'jump up and down just to put 'em on'. 
And I've always been on to add accessories - whether its bibs, bow ties or hats. 

Can you see any of your littles rocking any of these pieces? If so - head on over to these shops and show them some love! 

2nd Month {Mama} Must Haves

Last month I had a long list of mama must haves and this month is no different. Check out what has helped me conquer the second month of motherhood. 

1. Ceiling Fans
If it's one of those days where Kingston thinks he is too grown for naps, one of the best things to distract the little man is the ceiling fan. This is a life saver when I'm needing to take a shower. I lay him on the bed turn on the fan and I'm able to get 4 minutes of me time in the shower. 


2. Medela Double Electric Breast Pump

($221.99)
Now that Kingston is sleeping through the night, I wake up super engorged. Because of this, he only nurses off of one side during his first feeding of the day. This allows me to pump the other side and I'm so thankful for the electric pump by medela. I'm able to simultaneously feed him and pump. This pump comes with a travel case and a compact cooler, which I know will come in handy when I return to work. 

3. Lush Dry Shampoo 
($13.95)
I never had a big use for dry shampoo before having a baby. Back then I was always able to shower in the morning and style my hair right after. Since having a baby, I get it in whenever I can. This usually happens in the evening when the hubby is home and can entertain the kiddo. Unfortunately, I was blessed with over-producing oil glands in my hair and so when I go to style it the next day it's always greasy. Dry shampoo has helped me conquer the greasiness. I use a powder from Lush Cosmetics and it removes the greasiness. The one thing I'm not loving about it is that I feel like I'm putting corn starch in my hair. When I run out of this bottle I plan on purchasing a spray in dry shampoo. Any recommendations? 


4. 1.5" Curling Iron
($33.99)
Again, because of the lack of time and having to wash my hair at night, a large barreled curling iron has become my new best friend. Since I usually sleep on wet hair, I wake up with waves. This curling iron helps to create additional loose waves in no time at all. These days I spend maybe 4-5 mins curling my hair and it surprisingly turns out pretty good! 



5. Up&Up Milk Storage Freezer Bags
($8.49)
I'm working on building up my freezer stash for when I return back to work and Kingston starts daycare. So far I'm up to about 250oz and they are stored in the Target generic brand Up&Up bags. They are very similar to Medela's bags except half the price. The only problem I have with them is that when I have 5 oz in a bottle and pour it in the bag it reads as an ounce more. I think this is because of the shape of the bags. Just make sure you label it correctly and it shouldn't be a problem.  

6. Hazelnut Coffee Creamer
($4-$12)
No words necessary. I like my creamer with a splash of coffee. You can never have enough of this in your fridge!  


7. V- Neck Tees
($4-$7)
I purchase mine from Gordman's for cheap so when I outwear (which I do because I wear them all the time), then I can just toss them in the trash. I've found that v-necks help with being able to easily breastfeed. Instead of pulling the whole shirt up, I can just pull the v-neck to the side. 


8. Wet Bag
($16.35)
I originally purchased these wet bags for my cloth diapers but I have found that they can be used for so much more! If you have a blow out, dirty spit up burp rags or wet swimming clothes throw them in here and they won't get all over anything else. You can then empty the bag into the washer and toss it in as well. These are a necessity for the diaper bag! 



I still use many items from the first month mama must haves, especially the apps and baby monitor! Life savers for sure!!

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2nd Month {Baby} Must Haves

Here are a few items that have been essential for Kingston's second month of life. 

{If you missed it - check out my first month must haves.}

1. Turtle Sponge Bath Mat

($6.99)

The BEST $7 ever spent! This mat is light weight/easy to store, holds Kingston in place and it helps me gauge how much water I need. I fill up the tub just enough so the whole turtle is submerged and it is the perfect amount of water. This makes bath time so much easier. 

Seriously, don't spend money on any other bath system. This ooption is cheap and super effective.

2. Munchkin Paci Clip

($8.99)

Kingston only takes a paci when he is tired and every other time he spits it out so aggressively. This clip makes things so much easier and I always know where to look for it. We primarily use this in the car and attach it to his shoulder pad of his carseat. That way while I'm driving, I can blindly find the paci and I no longer have to unbuckle and get out of my seat to search all the crevasses for it. 

3. Changing Pad Liner

($15.99)

We purchased the 3 pack of liners from Babies R' Us and have used the heck out of these. One of them is always on our changing pad, one is in the diaper bag so we can use it out and about, and the third is on our changing table waiting to be used. As you all know, babies poop and pee when ever and where ever, and these liners help me from having to change the changing pad cover every day. My boy also tends to spit up almost every time he is getting his diaper changed so these are definitely a must for us. 

4. Carters Zip PJ's

($12.99)

Last month it was nice to have the sleep sacks to make the middle of the night changes easier. I noticed that Kingston would wake up from kicking his legs and getting them caught in the sacks. We were gifted some carters zip up pjs and I love them. What's nice is that they zip up from the top down - so it's like a backwards zipper. I love this because I only have to unzip it half way to change his diaper instead of having to have his whole top half exposed too. 
It keeps the baby warmer which keeps the baby happier! 

5. Bag Balm Ointment

($10.99)

This ointment was originally made for cows udders but was recommend to us to help treat diaper rash, dry skin and everything in between. We have used it during diaper changes and more recently we used it when Kingston scratched his forehead. It smells medicinal (and reminds me of old ladies) so it won't win any prizes for smelling good, but it definitely gets the job done. It comes in a huge 10oz tub which will last us a while I'm sure but the only place we could find it was at Wahlgreens. PS- this is not cloth diaper safe. 

6. Activity Play Mat 

($40.00)

Since Kingston has been starting to see things better and has become way more alert of everything going on around him, the activity play mat has kept him entertained for a few minutes at a time. He isn't able to reach for anything yet, but I make sure to lay him on it to where he can kick the heavy objects. We also do tummy time on the mat and the bright colors really keep his attention. I'm sure this mat will be on or 3rd and 4th month must haves too. It seems to be a 'toy' that grows with them and I love that you can get your moneys worth out of it. 

7. Burp Cloths

($14.50)

I haven't found a brand that I like better than another, but in general burp cloths are essential. We have them everywhere: on the couch arms, on the swing, on the crib, on the changing table, in the diaper bag and on my bedside table. You get the picture. . . you can never have enough of them. Especially since it's the one thing that never seems to be close enough when you need it.

8. Johnson's & Johnson's Lavender Lotion/Bath Soap

($25.70)

I LOVE the smell of this lotion. It smells like a deliciously sweet sleepy baby. We use the 'pink' lotion during the day and the 'purple' lotion at night. It may all be in my head, but I think using two different smells of lotion helps to differentiate between day time and night time for the babe. 

9. Nike Socks

($12.99)

My mom for years would always talk about babies and their need to always wear socks. Well it makes it hard for them to always wear them when the darn things don't like to stay on their tiny little feet. I have found that Nike socks tend to stay on the best and are they are the cutest. Check out your local discount stores like Ross and Gordmans. I've always had good luck finding them there and they are much much cheaper. 

10. Tommee Tippee Bottles

($20-$40)

We use the closer to nature bottles that are supposed to mimic the natural feel of a mothers nipple. Kingston has only taken 6 bottles total and so far they have worked really well for us. I like that these bottles have a slow flow nipple option so the babes don't drown while inhaling the milk. 

Hopefully this was helpful! 

Do you have any other products I should try out? 

Linking up with Leslyn!
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Fall Fashion: Boots

My favorite part of fall (besides my shows which start back up this week) is the fashion. Scarves, jeans, hoodies and boots. I have a few pairs of boots that I've purchased more than once because when I wear them - I realllly wear them. I've also had the heals on those boots replaced because like I said, I really wear them. 

Check out these beauties that I'd love to have join my closet. 

1. TOM's look alike Bootie  

($39.95)

super comparable to TOM's but half the price. Check them out - there are SOO many different colors.

2. Madden Girl Riding Boots 

($55.52)

I love this Cognac color because it would go with everything. Everyone needs a pair of shoes in this color - flats or boots. 

3. Combat Boots
($24.15)
My little sister has been all about these boots. They are super cute on her and all her teeny bopper friends and I'd love to own a pair but I'm unsure if I could pull them off. 


4. Camo Combat Boots
($21.99)
I've been obsessed lately with styling Kingston in camo - but I've realized it's totally a unisex pattern and girls can pull it off just as well. 


5. Quilted Boots
($41.52)
Love these!


Who knew Amazon sold such cute stuff at super affordable prices?
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1st Month {Mama} Must Haves

Earlier this week I wrote about 1st Month Month Haves for Kingston. Today I'm going to let you in on a few necessities I've needed to survive this past month.  

1. Cute Tumbler filled with Grape Koolaid

If you are breastfeeding or have breastfed - you know all about that constant thirst.  Unfortunately, I've never been one of those people that love water. I wish I was but I'm not. This past month though, I've had a tumbler beside me at all times and 4/5 times you will find it filled with grape koolaid. I figured since it's essentially sugar water and I'm staying hydrated - it's fine. Once Kingston starts peeing purple, I'll cut back. 

2. Thong Panty Liners

So . . . remember how I ended up having to have a c-section? One would assume after a vaginal delivery that you would bleed for quite awhile - but who knew that after a c-section you would bleed just as much or more. TMI - but I don't wear granny panties so these are a must. 

3. Summer Infant Safe Sight Digital Color Video Monitor

I had such a hard time deciding which monitor to go with and after having the summer infant safe sight color video monitor for a month, I am so happy with my choice. Being a first time mom, I can't imagine not being able to see the baby - especially for us because Kingston has been sleeping in his crib in the other room since day 5. I like this monitor because you can zoom in and out and it comes in both color and automatic night vision. 

4. Nike Athletic Shorts

I have lived in Nike shorts since having Kingston (except for church days). They are so comfy and you don't need to change ever if you don't want to. They are acceptable to wear in front of company, they can be worn to sleep, out on a walk or to Wal-mart. 
They really are multi-functional ... and cute! 

5. Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash

So as soon as Kingston was removed from my tummy - my 14 year old complexion decided to reappear. This face wash is expensive but it is a good product. Thankfully I got it back when I was working at the spa and received a huge bottle at a discount. It's working for me now but zits are super annoying and I'm always looking for a product that works better. 

What do you use to fight acne?

6. Phone App - Assistive Light 

During all of my middle of the night nursing sessions, I turn on this bad boy. I try as careful as possible to keep Kingston in a night time 'sleepy' mode without stumbling around and hurting ourselves. This light is easy to get to on my phone and a total necessity. 

7. Phone App - Feed Baby 

For the past 5 weeks I have been tracking all of Kingston's diapers/feeding sessions/naps. As of today, I will only be using it to track which side he nurses from and how often. Since we are doing the Baby Wise method of nursing ever 2.5/3 hours, it helps having easy access to see when he last ate. This app also has options to track their stats (weight,height,etc) and pumping sessions. It does it all and it's super user friendly. The only thing I wish the free version had was the ability to pause during a nursing session. I've considered purchasing the full version just so I can have that feature. Too many times we pause to burp or readjust. 

8. What to Expect - The First Year

If you read my post about all the stuff I have googled in the first few weeks, you know I am a nervous nelly and have so many questions about everything. This book is awesome and covers any topic imaginable that could come up in the first year of your child's life. I am so glad I was able to borrow this from a friend (thanks Jenna!). 

9. Automatic Car Start

Whether you have a baby in the summer heat or winter cold, having your car the correct temperature prior to getting in is amazing for both mama and baby. I'm so glad I got an auto start for Christmas. It was definitely money well spent. 

10. On Demand/Netflix/Hulu/DVR Subscription 

 I have spent so many hours on my couch in front of the TV the past 5 weeks. With that being said, day time TV is brutal and I have been on the lookout for new shows. Thank goodness for DVR and Netflix.

11. Lansinoh Disposable Nursing Pads

The baby cries - I leak. The baby nurses from one side - I leak from the other. I get out of the shower - I leak. Needless to say ... I'm a fountain and these are essential for me. I was gifted Medela disposable pads but I've had better luck with the Lansinoh brand. They absorb a little better and are odorless. 

12. Gilligan and O'Malley Nursing Bra

I have two of these (wireless) and I couldn't live without them. Enough said. 



13. Covered Goods Nursing Cover
 At first I was able to borrow a nursing cover purchased from Udder Covers. Being a first time mom, it has taken a little practice feeling comfortable nursing in public. One thing I didn't like about the Udder Cover was that it didn't cover your backside. So while I was hiking my shirt up at the volleyball game I had to continue tucking it in in the back so I wasn't exposed. Thanks to instagram I found Covered Goods. Their cover slips over both shoulders, is made from a super cute light weight fabric and covers everything so you don't have to be self conscious about anything being seen. It also can be worn as a scarf or car seat cover if you choose. Multi-functional is the best! 


14. A Friend 
Someone you can ask anything and everything to. Someone that is available to listen to your crazy questions, someone who will give you advice but not get offended if you don't take it, someone who is encouraging and someone who will pray for you. I definitely could not have survived this first month without friends. 


Am I missing anything that would make the next month even easier?

Linking up with Serenity Now.
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